Cardiac Rehabilitation at Somerset Campus

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program helps heart patients improve their strength, decrease stress and learn more about their condition.

Patients who have had a heart attack, coronary bypass surgery, angioplasty, valve replacement, “CHF” congestive heart failure, a heart transplant, or those who have had stable angina can benefit from rehabilitation. A referral from a cardiologist or primary care doctor is necessary to participate.

Phase I starts at bedside and provides information
about possible reasons why you developed a heart condition and how to
stay healthy and safe once you are home.

During Phase II, the outpatient phase, patients exercise two or three times a week in RWJ-Somerset’s Rehabilitation Department, located on the 2nd floor. Patients are evaluated and oriented to the program to determine a safe starting level of exercise. Conditioning follow-up sessions include exercise at a low to moderate intensity to make sure patients can handle the pace, while being monitored by Licensed RNs. Patients and their families may watch videos and receive information about many heart-health topics. In addition, patients are encouraged to go to monthly nutrition, medication and stress management classes.

Phase III is for patients who want to continue exercising after graduating from the monitored program. Conducted at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset's Sports Physical Therapy and Performance Center at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, the program features a variety of monthly classes to help patients stay fit while maintaining their heart health.